What kind of backpack to choose for a first-grader

Choosing a backpack for a first-grade kid is a task that can get frustrating, especially if it’s the first time you are buying a similar product. We say this because, as parents, we have been in your place and we are fully aware of what you are going through right now.

To save you at least a little bit of worry, we’ve put together a short, but hopefully, exhaustive list of the basic criteria that a first-class backpack must meet.

How to choose a school bag for a first-grader?

The criteria that a backpack for elementary school must meet are several:

● size

● weight

● form

● material

● strength

● capacity

● safety

● convenience

● distribution

● style

● quality

Size

The size of the backpack is very important, because if it is not the right size, the arms, waist and back of the child will strain, which can lead to incorrect posture over time. To find the right size for a backpack, it's a good idea to measure its width and length.

Its width should not exceed the width of the child's shoulders and its length should not extend far below the waist.

Weight

The backpack should not exceed 10-15% of the child's weight.

How do you know if your backpack is suitable?

Weigh the backpack when it's empty as well as when packed full of textbooks. The appropriate weight of an empty backpack is between 800 grams and one kilogram, and the acceptable weight of a full backpack, as already mentioned, should not exceed 15% of the weight of the child.

Material

One of the most commonly used materials for making backpacks is polyester. This material is very durable and strong, does not fade, and is abrasion resistant. In addition, it is easy to clean with a damp cloth only, has breathable properties, and is waterproof.

When we talk about materials we should also mention materials such as textiles, leather, hemp fibres, neoprene, and others. These materials are healthier and more environmentally friendly than polyester, but leather backpacks are much heavier (and therefore inappropriate for first-graders), and those made from hemp fibre are great, but offered at a much higher price.

Why is material important?

Children, especially first-graders, do not take very good care of their backpacks. They are often thrown to the ground, dragged down the corridors, left in muddy and dirty places. Therefore, the choice of healthy and quality backpack material is very important.

Back

According to experts, the most appropriate form of backpack for elementary school students is the one with an anatomical back system. Anatomical backpacks distribute the load evenly across the child's back, preventing pressure on individual points on the back and spine.

Backpack shape

In addition to the anatomical back, first-class backpacks are better if they have solid walls and bottoms. This way, not only will the child's posture be upright, but also, the bag will not bend, thus keeping textbooks and teaching aids safe from bends or creases.

Even if the young student throws the backpack, it will not spoil its shape, and the hard bottom will not hang under the weight of textbooks even on the busiest days of school.

Shape and width of straps

According to experts, the most appropriate form of first-class backpack straps is the S-shape.

Why? The straps of this shape allow the backpack to fit snugly on the back of the child and distribute the pressure properly over the spine and shoulders. In addition, the S-straps do not squeeze or injure the child's shoulders and it feels comfortable.

The width of the straps should be from 4-5.50 cm to 8 cm. In other words, the straps should be wide enough so that they fit comfortably on the child's shoulders, even if he or she carries a backpack over only a T-shirt or thin blouse.

An important requirement is that the straps are adjustable and have soft inserts for even greater comfort.

Additional fastening straps

First-class backpacks are also available with additional straps that fasten across the waist and across the child's chest. If you can, our advice is to buy a backpack this feature, as these straps (straps) further secure the backpack and help to distribute the weight properly.

Capacity

It is a generally accepted rule that a backpack for children in primary classes should have a capacity of 11 to 16 litres maximum. Especially for young children starting out in school, a backpack with a capacity of 11-13 litres is sufficient.

Backpacks of this capacity usually correspond to the height of 115-130 cm per child and are of the correct measurement. If your child happens to be taller, you can buy a backpack with a little more capacity, but it should not exceed 16 litres.

Distribution

The most basic backpack models have at least two internal compartments. However, we are sure that you will be looking for something better for your children, so we advise you to choose a backpack that, in addition to the main compartments, have several outer pockets for the water bottle, telephone, lunch box, and more.

Quality

● School backpacks are not cheap at all, so you should pay special attention to the quality of the product.

● Take a good look at the seams on your backpack before purchase. The seams must be double-stitched and straight.

● Also see if the soft strap inserts are well sewn and no foam comes out.

● Unclip and fasten the plastic fasteners to make sure they are not defective.

● Check that the straps can be easily adjusted.

● Pay special attention to zippers. Open and close several times to make sure they work well. Also look at how they are sewn to the backpack and whether the seam is double-stitched and straight.

● Open the backpack and see the distribution.

● Smell the backpack inside, and if you smell something "chemical", don't buy it because it's probably not made of high quality materials.

● Read the label carefully and look for a certificate. All quality backpacks must have a CE quality and safety certificate.

Safety

To keep your child safe, it's best to choose a bright colour backpack with reflective straps and material. We know that it is unlikely that you will let your child go to school in the dark, but that can happen sometimes, and when the backpack has similar retro-reflective signs, you will be calmer.

We have an extra tip for you. In addition to backpacks with reflective material, it is also good to buy a child's jacket with reflective elements.

Style

This is the criterion which you will have most difficultly reaching a consensus with your child, who certainly has their own thoughts on what their backpack should look like. To avoid conflict, our advice is to leave the choice of style of the backpack entirely to your child.

This way, you will be assured that the backpack meets the important criteria for quality, comfort and safety, and your child will be assured that his backpack has graphics of his favourite characters and will be happy to carry it.

Practical Tips for Choosing a Backpack for First Class

Suppose you go with a future first-grader to the store to buy him a backpack.

● Put the backpack on the child's back and see if its width matches the width of the child’s shoulder. See also if the length is not too long.

● Try adjusting the straps. They must be adjustable quickly and easily.

● Put some books or magazines in your backpack and have your child take a stroll around the store. If the backpack is of high quality and has an anatomical back, the child will not lean back as he walks around the store.

● Bring a lunch box and a bottle of water with you and try to get them in the pockets of your backpack with no problem.

● If possible, moisten a wet towel and go with it to the backpack applications. If the towel stays white, the colors are durable.

If everything goes well and your kid likes the backpack, all you have to do is consider whether the product has a quality and safety certificate and who makes it. Do you know the brand, it means that the backpack you buy is of high quality and you can safely buy it for your child.

And one more thing, before we split

One and two shoulder straps are available on the market. If you are looking for a first-class backpack, the two straps are the best choice. (We already shared why)

Wheeled backpacks are also available, and a few parents opt for them because they think it will be easier and easier for their children to push the backpack instead of carrying it on their backs. However, the truth is a little different.

Wheeled backpacks are not very comfortable because when placed on the back, their wheels cause discomfort. In addition, children are used to lugging backpacks down the stairs and down the hallways and preventing other students from focusing.

Choosing a backpack for a first-grader is a task that is difficult, but as you can see, it is not impossible.

Once you know what the main search criteria are, we are sure that you can handle it without any problem. And when it hits the first school bell and your already grown child steps over the threshold of the school, it will carry the most comfortable, ergonomic, safe, quality and stylish backpack on its back.

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